Keynote Speakers 2019

Opening Plenary:
Thursday, November 7th, 2019
(1.0 CE)

Ken Johnson

Chaplain of the Indianapolis Colts

More Information Forthcoming

By singing, acting, preaching, speaking and being a Chaplin, Ken is able to proclaim the Faith, Hope and Love of Jesus Christ to ONE MILLION people annually. Ken’s personal mantra is “Mission before Money” and “remove greed from the equation” which allows him to remain focused on the mission and provides the greatest impact for the Kingdom. Ken is not distracted by the things of this world (money, greed, etc.) but rather believes we are only as impactful for the Kingdom as we are healthy, so let’s stay healthy by eliminating greed, money and other worldly distractions from our lives”.

Alan Keith-Lucas Lecture:
Friday, November 8th, 2019
(1.0 CE)

Linda Plitt Donaldson

“Restoring Hope in Challenging Times”

Abstract: Linda Plitt Donaldson will invite participants into a reflection about the ways in which Christian social workers can bring and restore hope into a troubled world. She will draw on a range of sources to unpack the meaning of hope, it’s particular meaning for Christians, and it’s implications for social work.

Linda is the Assistant Dean and MSW Program Director at the National Catholic School of Social Work. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought. She has written about the integration of Catholic Social Teaching in graduate social work education, and co-edited a special issue of the journal Social Work and Christianity on Catholic Social Teaching and social work that was published in the summer of 2012. Prior to teaching at NCSSS, Dr. Donaldson worked for ten years in a community-based homeless services agency in Washington, D.C, providing direct service, directing programs in advocacy, social justice, family services, and affordable housing.

Banquet Speaker: Saturday November 9th 2019 at 7pm (1.0 CE)

Reesheda Graham-Washington

Reesheda Graham Washington is the executive director of Communities First Association, a national nonprofit committed to capacity building in asset-based community development, economic development, and equity (ABCDE²). She coaches leaders in building community and developing sustainable and equitable practices within their organizations. Graham-Washington launched L!VE Cafe, an experiential community space that serves artisanal coffee and brings people together intersectionally for conversation and mutual transformation. Graham-Washington is a coach-trainer, facilitator, speaker, and consultant. A former education administrator for Chicago Public Schools, Reesheda L!VE’s in Berwyn, Illinois and shares her heart for service with her three daughters: Datrianna, Micaiah, and Olivia.